<p>I'm thinking about getting a macbook pro for college, but I am afraid that I'll have to worry about it all the time. I don't really want it to be a burden... I know it varies from campus to campus, but do laptop thefts or whatever happen often at college? Would I be better off getting a cheaper laptop?</p>
<p>Have you checked their website for computer requirements?</p>
<p>One of our D's choices requires students to buy a laptop through them. If you don't you cannot hook up to their internet system. Another one suggests a PC for all students except Comm majors, they should have a Mac.
I am just sitting and waiting for a decision to be made.</p>
<p>
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but do laptop thefts or whatever happen often at college?
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A lot of students will use a cable with a lock on it (Dell sells these) to lock their laptops to tables in the library.</p>
<p>The theft of laptops is extremely common at colleges. When S1 was in college, he received an email about a couple of months into the academic year, informing students that more than 60 laptops had been stolen from dorms since the beginning of the school year. The email reminded students to lock their rooms when they were not in, and also suggested locks for their laptops.</p>
<p>We had a few laptop thefts from the library, but in my opinion it's kind of stupid to leave your laptop unattended in the library. I haven't heard of any thefts from rooms, but people tend to lock their room doors when they leave, and dorm security against people not in the dorm is quite strict. </p>
<p>I know some colleges have cheap laptop sales through their schools, so you may want to wait until you know where you're going and read their policies. My college sells computers at normal prices and is fine with PCs or Macs (and will do work to fix either). Most people I know have MacBooks and some have MacBook Pros.</p>
<p>Get (and use) a laptop cable lock such as the one in the link below and don't leave your laptop sitting on a table in the dining hall or library for 'just a minute' and you should generally be okay. The thieves tend to be opportunists and will more likely go for the easy pickings of the laptops others don't lock.</p>
<p>Laptop theft is a crime of opportunity. Cheap or expensive; leave it unattended and it’s gone. A cable lock is better than nothing, but it’s no guarantee against a determined thief. </p>
<p>Your laptop lives in two environments: your dorm room and everyplace else. If you leave your dorm room, lock your door to protect your valuables. If a thief wants your stuff, make him sweat for it. Outside of your dorm room, never leave your laptop unattended. If you’re inclined to leaving a $2000 brand new shiny “anything” on a library table while you run to the bathroom or the stacks (even with a cable lock), you deserve any unintended consequence that happens. </p>
<p>Stuff you need to do before leaving for school:</p>
<p>Send in your warranty card to the manufacturer and look into getting an extended warranty that covers accidental damage to your laptop. You’re more likely to spill something on the keyboard or crack your screen than having your computer stolen.</p>
<p>Know your laptop’s make, model and serial number. Give a copy to your parents and keep a copy for yourself. Have your parents include your laptop on their homeowner’s insurance policy for theft coverage. Take pictures of the laptop as additional proof of ownership. </p>
<p>Buy a USB jump drive and keep copies of important computer files (notes, term papers, e-mail addresses, etc.) Having your laptop stolen or broken is bad enough, not having your important school work backed up to a memory stick is much worse…</p>
<p>If you buy a cable lock, some manufacturers have additional theft coverage. Make sure you register your lock by sending in the warranty card. Most coverage requires the make, model and serial number of your laptop and a police report made within 24/48 hours of the theft.</p>
<p>I don't believe Apple offers any accidental insurance. At least they didn't when I asked last year. If you're prone to spill or drop or having things break on you, get one of those ToughBooks or a Dell. Dell will replace anything--my sister has had three hard drives (two computers) in three years.</p>
<p>Here's a link to Notebookreview.com's list of laptop warranty information:</p>
<p>You're right, Apple doesn't provide any accidental coverage. I know that Dell and Toshiba offer accident coverage for an additional fee. I didn't check the other manufacturers listed beyond Dell and Toshiba (the two that I'm most familiar with).</p>
<p>I bought the accidental coverage for my D's Dell laptop. College campuses and top bunks are harsh environments for laptops.</p>
<p>If you go with a Mac, spend the extra to get the AppleCare plan!!!!! It's been a lifesaver for me! Anytime I'm wondering how to do something or when my wireless card became dislodged when a friend dropped it, I got to the front of the line with my little grey card and AppleCare gets you service before anyone else and it's for THREE YEARS. Friend spilled lemonade on the keyboard and I got a new computer the next day and they did a free file transfer for me! I can't say enough good things about the people in my Apple Store and the service I've been given since buying this computer in July!</p>
<p>I have a Macbook and it's great. Most computers I see on campus are Dell, HP, or Apple. In addition to seeing what your school/major recommends, check to see if your campus has a computer tech center. My school does and they'll do minor repairs/troubleshooting for any student. I think it's free. But a friend of mine had a problem with her HP and they wouldn't fix it, because they're not contracted with HP to do on-site service but they are contracted with Dell (I havent had to check w/ my Apple). Definitely check into it.</p>
<p>yes buy a warranty
small electronics- much more fragile- although the new mac drives protect data when dropped.
I am always tripping on a cord and pulling mine off my desk- no problems yet although I did have them send me a new keyboard after a couple years.</p>
<p>D had stickers on hers, so it was easily indentifiable- but just use common sense- you wouldn't leave a couple thousand dollars on a table while you refilled your coffee, don't leave your laptop unattended.</p>
<p>Bikes too- it is amazing the condition of bikes that some find impossible to resist.</p>